TV News

Anne Kirkbride sadly passed away in January following a short battle with cancer at the age of 60. Her character Deirdre Barlow made her debut appearance in Coronation Street back in 1972 and she was the fourth longest serving character in the soap’s history. It has now come to the time where her farewell in the program will be aired later in the Summer. The producer, Simon Blackburn said that “the ‘tears and hurt’ of the sad episode will also be lifted by plenty of laughter in a fitting tribute to late actress Anne Kirkbride’s sense of humour“.

Deirdre’s character was known for her amusing scenes, with the most recent being when she threw a trifle at the wall at a family dinner. It is no secret that Anne Kirkbride bought joy to the set of the cobbles and this was displayed at the British Soap Awards which aired on Thursday night. Ken Barlow, her on–screen husband, played by William Roach and Beverley Callard who plays Liz McDonald paid a tribute to Anne for her outstanding contribution to the world of soap. Her husband accepted the award on her behalf. Deirdre’s farewell will be aired later this Summer and is expected to draw in a large audience.